Mighty Millets: The grain of the year’s underutilized potential

Are you curious about the grain of the year? Join us for education, inspiration, and exploration of opportunities to engage with the untapped potential of millets. Given the interest in gluten-free food products, ancient grains, and novel food sources, millets have received more attention lately, including the designation of 2023 as the International Year of the Millets (IYM) by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. Millets are nutrient-dense, highly varied group of small-seeded cereal grains that are highly tolerant to drought and poor soil. Although these grains rank sixth in global cereal production and are recognized as “smart foods” and “good for the planet,” they are underutilized. Dr. Rob Myers will highlight the fascinating diversity of millets from around the world, and from within the United States. Dr. Kiruba Krishnaswamy will discuss her work related to the nutritional and functional characteristics of millets.